DNA Backlog reduction grant - statewide impact

The New Hampshire State Police Forensic Laboratory (NHSPFL) is the sole provider of forensic services in the State of New Hampshire. The laboratory’s Forensic Biology Unit performs all serological and DNA analyses associated with criminal investigations in the state. The Forensic Biology Unit is also responsible for the analysis and entry of offender and casework samples into the CODIS database.  In addition to handling the current and ongoing biological caseload of the New Hampshire, the unit is in charge of all associated workflows for the outsourcing of previously unsubmitted and untested sexual assault kits related to the Attorney General’s Office Sexual Assault Forensic Evidence- Inventory, Tracking, and Reporting project.

Like all other states, the NHSPFL is facing increased budgetary constraints. The Federal funding from this award will be used for the following goals:

Reduce the forensic biology casework and DNA database backlog and maintain or improve turnaround time.
Ensure continuity of operations
Ensure continuing adherence to the FBI’s Quality Assurance Standards
Outsource sexual assault kits captured in the NH Attorney General’s SAFE-ITR inventory

It is expected that a minimum of 350 forensic biology cases and 1,200 database samples will be analyzed in-house utilizing grant funds.  An additional 225 sexual assault kits will be outsourced for analysis.  The laboratory will maintain its compliance with the FBI's DNA Quality Assurance Standards.  All CODIS eligible profiles, both casework and databasing, will be entered into the DNA database.